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Dept for Education and Employment;Employment Service

Answer

Mr. Rogers: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received on the acceptance by job centres of advertisements for jobs paying less than the national minimum wage. [93124] Mr. Andrew Smith: Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. Allan Rogers, dated 27 July 1999: As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning the acceptance by Jobcentres of advertisements for jobs paying less than the national minimum wage. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency. In answer to your specific question, I am aware of one representation - to which I have replied - regarding whether Jobcentres would accept advertisements for jobs paying less than the national minimum wage. It may be helpful if I explain our arrangements for dealing with this matter. All Jobcentres have detailed instructions explaining that they must only take job vacancies that meet the requirements of the National Minimum Wage Act. When taking details of a job vacancy, if no wage rate is stated, the Jobcentre will ask the employer for an assurance that they are meeting the requirements of the Act. If employers remain unsure of their responsibilities under the Act the Jobcentre will advise them to contact the National Minimum Wage Advice Line for more detailed help. I hope this is helpful.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

93124; 336 c171-2W

Session

1998-99

Subjects

Advertising Jobcentres Minimum wage